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Traffic Signal Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lochmueller Group

Traffic Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Prepare designs of traffic control devices and systems, including traffic signals, signing ... Apply local, state, and federal traffic engineering standards, manuals, and criteria (e.g., MUTCD ...

Lochmueller Group

Traffic Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Prepare designs of traffic control devices and systems, including traffic signals, signing ... Apply local, state, and federal traffic engineering standards, manuals, and criteria (e.g., MUTCD ...

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All JobsTraffic Signal Engineer JobsTraffic Signal Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Traffic Signal Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28.3K

$62.3K

$102.5K

How much do traffic signal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic signal engineer in Chicago, IL is $62,282.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,800.00 and $74,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a traffic signal engineer do?

A Traffic Signal Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining traffic signal systems to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians. They analyze traffic patterns, develop signal timing plans, and use specialized software to optimize traffic flow. These engineers also coordinate with local governments and agencies on road improvement projects and troubleshoot technical issues related to traffic signals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a traffic signal engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Traffic Signal Engineer, you need a solid background in traffic engineering, understanding of signal timing, and a degree in civil or electrical engineering, often supported by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with tools such as Synchro, VISSIM, and MUTCD standards, as well as experience with traffic management systems, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, efficient traffic systems and ensuring seamless operation within evolving urban environments.

What are some common challenges faced by traffic signal engineers when coordinating with municipal agencies and contractors?

Traffic Signal Engineers often encounter challenges in aligning project timelines and specifications with the requirements of various municipal agencies and contractors. Differences in priorities, communication gaps, and unexpected site conditions can complicate coordination efforts. To address these challenges, engineers must be adept at project management, possess strong interpersonal skills, and stay up-to-date with local regulations. Proactive communication and frequent status updates help ensure all stakeholders remain informed and projects move forward smoothly.

What is the difference between Traffic Signal Engineer vs Traffic Engineer?

AspectTraffic Signal EngineerTraffic Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil or Traffic Engineering, possibly PE licenseBachelor's in Civil or Traffic Engineering, often PE license
Work EnvironmentDesigning, installing, and maintaining traffic signal systemsPlanning, analyzing traffic flow, and overall transportation systems
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, transportation agencies, consulting firmsTransportation departments, urban planning firms, government agencies

Traffic Signal Engineers focus specifically on designing and maintaining traffic signal systems, while Traffic Engineers have a broader role in traffic flow analysis and transportation planning. Both roles often require similar credentials and work within transportation agencies, but their daily tasks differ in scope and specialization.

What are popular job titles related to Traffic Signal Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Traffic Signal Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Traffic Signal Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Traffic Signal Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Traffic Signal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Traffic Signal Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,282 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Traffic Signal Design Lead

Michael Baker International

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$115K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Michael Baker International rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 450 rated engineering

Job description

Transportation Practice 

Consistently ranked by Engineering News-Record as a Top 20 transportation firm, Michael Baker International offers clients an integrated team of professionals versed in all aspects of transportation planning, design, permitting, and construction management and inspection.  In addition, Michael Baker International is a recognized leader in the practical aspects of operating and maintaining a safe and efficient transportation infrastructure. 

What We're Looking For:

Michael Baker International is seeking a Traffic Signal Design Lead to support our growing Transportation Practice. This position offers the opportunity to provide technical leadership, quality oversight, and strategic guidance for traffic engineering and transportation projects serving state, county, municipal, and private-sector clients. 

The successful candidate will lead and oversee traffic signal design, signing and pavement marking plans, maintenance of traffic planning, and transportation planning initiatives. This role will serve as a key technical resource within the organization, support transportation growth initiatives, and mentor engineering staff while helping deliver projects that improve mobility, safety, and operational efficiency throughout our service area. 

What You'll Do:

Technical Leadership and Design 

  • Provide technical leadership and oversight for traffic engineering and transportation projects. 
  • Direct the preparation and review of traffic signal designs, signing and pavement marking plans, maintenance of traffic plans, and related transportation documents. 
  • Stay current with FHWA guidance, MUTCD requirements, and industry best practices to support technical excellence. 
  • Prepare and oversee plans, specifications, estimates, and technical reports in accordance with IDOT, Illinois Tollway, and local agency standards. 
  • Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and quality reviews for junior engineering staff. 

Project Delivery and Coordination 

  • Coordinate with internal disciplines and subconsultants on technical aspects of projects. 
  • Assist with project planning, staffing, scheduling, and workload management. 
  • Support proposal development, scope development, and client presentations as needed. 
  • Assist with strategic growth initiatives and expansion of traffic engineering services. 

Quality Assurance & Client Service 

  • Ensure compliance with applicable agency standards, design manuals, and quality management procedures. 
  • Participate in client meetings and serve as a trusted technical resource. 
  • Foster strong relationships with clients and project partners. 

What You Need to Succeed:

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois, or ability to obtain within four months of hire
  • 8+ years of roadway and transportation engineering experience with an emphasis on traffic signal design. 
  • Demonstrated experience delivering projects for IDOT, county, municipal, or other public-sector clients. 
  • Proficiency with OpenRoads Designer (ORD) and MicroStation. 
  • Strong understanding of IDOT design policies, standards, and contract plan development. 
  • Excellent communication, project coordination, and leadership skills. 
  • Ability to lead and review traffic impact studies, transportation analyses, traffic signal warrant studies, safety evaluations, and corridor studies is a plus. 

Compensation

The approximate compensation range for this position is $115,000 to $155,000. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting.  Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

Why Choose Us:

  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
  • Professional and personal development
  • Generous paid time off
  • Commuter and wellness benefits

#LI-MM1 #LI-HYBRID

Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.

*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

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